Unleashing AI in the built environment: A path to sustainable decarbonisation

In an era marked by a pressing need for sustainability, the built environment sector stands at a crucial crossroads. Confronted with the urgent challenge of climate change, the call for innovative solutions has never been more acute. Here, artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a transformative force, poised to reshape our approach to building and urban development.

How can AI help?

AI offers immense potential to enhance energy efficiency, optimise resource allocation and facilitate smarter urban planning. It's not merely about adopting new technologies; it's about rethinking our relationship with the environments we construct and inhabit. AI acts as an important tool in this transformation, offering data-driven insights and predictive analytics to make our buildings more responsive to environmental needs.

As we explore AI's role in the built environment, understanding its capacity to address the sector's carbon footprint is crucial. From intelligent energy management to sustainable design practices, AI is revolutionising the way we envisage sustainable development. This exploration is not only a forward-looking view into the future of building and urban planning but also a call to action for embracing AI as an integral component in our journey towards a decarbonised world.

Sustainable urbanisation and AI

The rapid pace of urbanisation presents both challenges and opportunities in sustainability. AI is at the forefront of addressing these, offering innovative ways to manage our increasingly urbanised world. In the realm of urban planning, AI can analyse vast amounts of data – from traffic patterns to energy usage – to create more efficient, sustainable cities. It's about turning our urban spaces into 'smart cities', where everything from street lighting to public transport is optimised for minimal environmental impact.

When it comes to construction, AI plays a crucial role in reducing the sector’s carbon footprint. By integrating AI in the design phase, buildings can be planned to maximise natural light, enhance energy efficiency and reduce waste. Predictive maintenance algorithms extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure, ensuring that they operate efficiently and reduce the need for resource-intensive replacements.

Moreover, AI-driven systems in buildings manage energy consumption in real time, adapting to occupancy and external environmental conditions. This not only reduces energy costs but also significantly cuts down carbon emissions. Such systems exemplify the potential of AI to transform traditional practices in building management into proactive, sustainable solutions.

As urban populations continue to grow, the built environment must evolve. AI offers a path to this evolution, enabling us to create urban spaces that are not only efficient and responsive but also in harmony with our environmental goals. Embracing AI in urbanisation isn't just a technological upgrade; it's a step towards a sustainable future.

Applying AI: The Edge, Amsterdam

The application of AI in the built environment extends beyond theory into tangible, impactful innovations.

One of the most prominent examples of AI's transformative impact on sustainability in the built environment is The Edge in Amsterdam. Touted as one of the world's greenest buildings, The Edge utilises a comprehensive AI system that optimises energy use and creates an unparalleled sustainable working environment.

• Smart lighting and energy management: The Edge employs an innovative lighting system comprising 28,000 sensors that measure occupancy, movement, lighting levels, humidity and temperature. This AI-driven system enables the building to use natural light as efficiently as possible and reduces energy consumption by regulating artificial lighting based on occupancy and external light conditions.
• Sustainable design and construction: beyond energy management, The Edge's design integrates sustainable materials and practices. AI was used in the building's design phase to optimise material usage and reduce waste. The building also utilises solar panels and rainwater harvesting, supported by AI to maximise efficiency.
• Enhanced employee experience: the building's AI system not only focuses on sustainability but also enhances the working environment for its occupants. Employees can use an app to find parking spaces, book desks and control the climate of their immediate working area. This not only improves employee comfort and productivity but also ensures energy is not wasted in unoccupied spaces.
• Data-driven insights for continuous improvement: the wealth of data collected by the building's systems is analysed by AI to continuously improve energy efficiency and operational processes. This makes The Edge a real-life example of how AI can create a dynamic, responsive and sustainable built environment.

From energy management to resource optimisation, AI's applications are diverse and transformative. As the built environment sector grapples with the urgent need for sustainability, embracing AI's potential becomes not just an option but a necessity. The examples detailed here underscore the profound impact AI can have in driving the sector towards a more sustainable, environmentally friendly future.

Digital transformation and professional adaptation

The integration of AI into the built environment heralds a new era of digital transformation, requiring a shift in professional skills and perspectives. For architects, engineers and surveyors, this means embracing data analytics and AI tools as part of their toolkit. The focus is shifting away from traditional design and construction methods to an approach where data-driven insights lead the way.

This digital transformation is not without its challenges. There's a need for continuous learning and adaptation to keep pace with rapidly evolving AI technologies. Professionals must develop a deep understanding of how AI can be applied in various aspects of their work, from design optimisation to operational efficiency.

Moreover, there's an increasing emphasis on ethical considerations and transparency in AI applications. Ensuring that AI systems are fair, accountable and transparent is crucial in maintaining public trust and upholding professional standards.

The digital transformation ushered in by AI requires a holistic approach. It involves not only adopting new technologies but also adapting to a new way of thinking about the built environment. This shift is significant and will ensure that the industry not only survives but thrives in an AI-driven future.

Achieving a sustainable future

AI's role in the built environment is pivotal for achieving a sustainable future. As we embrace these technological advancements, we also embrace a responsibility to innovate responsibly. The journey towards a decarbonised world is complex, but with AI, we have the tools to make it achievable. This exploration is not just about the future of construction or urban planning; it's about shaping a world where sustainability and technology work in harmony, ensuring a better, greener future for all.

This article was written for WBEF by Brandon Heald, finalist in the RICS Student Competition 2023. Ahead of COP28, RICS launched the global student competition, encouraging students from all over the world to share their ideas on accelerating the decarbonisation of the build environment within five themes: policy, technology, finance, society, and skills. Find out more below.